Neighbors Care Alliance
ReSources Feeds Greater Vail’s Hungry
Most Southern Arizonans assume that residents of the Greater Vail area will never have to choose between buying groceries next week or paying the utility bills, or whether their kids will have enough to eat over the weekend. They assume that folks in Vail proper are all solidly middle class or perhaps even affluent members of the horsey set—but they would be wrong. The USDA estimates that 37 million people in the U.S. struggle with hunger and that over 14 million households are “food insecure.” Like other areas of Pima County, Vail is not immune to these staggering statistics; there are many who experience hunger right in our midst, and people who need emergency food because of unforeseen circumstances. Since 2016, Greater Vail Community Resources (“ReSources”) has dedicated itself to addressing this need through ReSources Vail Food Bank and its ongoing programs: providing emergency food for individuals and families; providing weekend “back packs” full of supplemental nutrition for needy students, and very importantly; providing meals for homebound residents, most of whom are older adults with limited incomes and mobility. A closer look at one such client relationship reveals a story not just of need, but of the essential importance of human connection. Michelle, a 57-year- old single mother, was severely injured in a car accident several years ago and found herself unable to work or drive a car. Though she was, and continues to be, supported by neighbors, Michelle did not know where to turn when she found her shelves bare. A friend suggested she
contact ReSources Vail Food Bank for help, whereupon she received an in-home visit by a staff member who evaluated her situation and qualified her for assistance. Since that interview some 2.5 years ago, Michelle has been a client of the ReSources Vail Food Bank’s “homebound meal delivery” program. In Michelle’s own words, “This service has been priceless—a Godsend especially during COVID when transportation was especially challenging. When you don’t have a car and have no way to leave the house, it’s scary.” She added, “In the past, I had always donated to food drives, but I never saw the impact on peoples’ lives. Most people don’t. But through my experience, I’ve learned that loneliness is a real thing in this world, and I can’t imagine being completely alone. Programs like this give a little bit of light by connecting us to other people who truly care.”
Twin brothers Alfred and Albert Lobb receiving their weekly meal delivery from ReSources volunteer Patty Sandt Greater Vail Community Resources is a recognized 501(c)(3) and “Qualifying Charitable Organization” under the state’s tax credit option. To learn more about its programs and happenings visit: www.resourcesvail.org Written by Susan Summers who serves as the President of the Board of Directors for Greater Vail Community Resources.
For more information on all ReSources Vail food bank programs, visit www.ResourcesVail.org, email us at foodbank@resourcesvail.org, or call us at 520-338-2610.
ReSources serves the 425 sq. mile Greater Vail region, as determined by the Vail School District boundary
September 2022, Never Too Late | Page 27
Pima Council on Aging
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator